Applications Chemist Review

My daily tasks included the formulation of pigment dispersions involving novel dispersants, that would be tested versus existing Lubrizol products. These would be tested in rheology, colour strength and particle size versus controls to determine the viability of the new dispersant technology, given the parameters expected. This data would be analysed and formatted such that it could be presented to the technical team for further analysis.

I developed knowledge and skills in the testing involved with material science based in an industrial lab. Most of the techniques and equipement was far removed from the academic teaching labs I had expereienced prior. This experience was invaluable. Further to this I improved my soft skills, such as time management, communcation and presentation skills. The professional environment nurtured and developed me to improve these necessary life skills to ready me for commercial work.

Once I had been brought up to speed in the techniques and use of the equipement involved, I was given the responsibility and trust to determine how best to pivot in my work if ever an unforseen situation arose. I was also trusted with the upkeep of any equipement I was assigned continuous usage of. It was on myself to determine whether or not outside repairs needed to be pushed forward.

Support and guidance was merely a teams message away. The entire team was happy at hand to help if I had a query or question about a piece of equipement or handling of a chemical at hand. It was determinative of their key safety conscious approach that they would be readily helpful should I need help with my experiments.

A relaxed professional environament that was determined to succeed whislt not being overbearing. It was evident from the wider company, that they trusted their colleagues and was assured of their competance. This meant their goals were achieved and stress was kept to a minimum.

I enjoyed my first chance at proper industrial based research. It gave me a wider viewpoint into the nature of the industrial viewpoint and a new vigor to continue into a similar role. Further, I felt incredibly welcomed by my colleagues and would consider them friends outwith the placement. I'm glad to have been afforded this opportunity.

Yes

I would say to be confident and logical in their application answers, and to take the time to answer interview questions propely without being rash. For the competency questions, I would advise having a look through their own experiences, such that they likely already have the necessary experiences to demonstrate accurately the skills they have already developed and could continue to develope at Lubrizol